Description
Delicious Cranberry Bliss Bars inspired by the popular coffee chain treat, featuring a brown sugar and ginger-infused bar loaded with white chocolate chips and dried cranberries, topped with a creamy orange and vanilla cream cheese frosting, drizzled with white chocolate and extra cranberries for a festive and flavorful dessert perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime indulgence.
Ingredients
For the Bars
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon orange extract
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- ¾ cup dried cranberries (Craisins)
For the Topping
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon orange extract
- ¼ cup dried cranberries, chopped
- ¼ cup white chocolate, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 13×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper and set it aside to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
- Mix Bar Batter: In a mixing bowl, beat the melted butter and light brown sugar until well blended. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and orange extract, beating until fully combined to create a smooth batter.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Incorporate the ground ginger, baking powder, kosher salt, and all-purpose flour. Beat gently just until the mixture is blended, taking care not to overmix to avoid tough bars.
- Fold in Mix-ins: Fold in the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries carefully to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
- Bake the Bars: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for approximately 22 minutes or until the bars are lightly browned. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together for about 3 minutes until creamy and smooth. Add the vanilla and orange extracts and continue beating for an additional 2-3 minutes, scraping down the bowl sides as needed.
- Frost the Bars: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Sprinkle the chopped dried cranberries over the top for added texture and flavor.
- Drizzle White Chocolate: Melt the white chocolate and drizzle it decoratively over the frosted bars to finish the look and add extra sweetness.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the bars for about one hour to allow the frosting to set before slicing into 24 squares and serving. Enjoy your homemade Cranberry Bliss Bars!
Notes
- Avoid over mixing the batter to keep the bars tender and soft rather than tough.
- Leftover cream cheese frosting can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week and is perfect for cinnamon rolls or gingerbread cookies.
- Enhance flavor by using homemade vanilla extract.
- If orange extract is unavailable, substitute with 1 teaspoon of freshly grated orange zest in both the batter and frosting.
- Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
